Even early on in his career, Doug Hoskins had a deep understanding of kids and a passion for helping them. Before becoming a foster parent, Doug worked at boarding schools in North Carolina.
While working at a summer program, one of Doug’s campers invited him to his graduation. At graduation, Doug met his camper’s family, including a boy who was living with them because he didn’t have a good home life. This planted the idea in Doug’s head that he could help kids another way—through foster care.
Doug relocated to Arizona in 2006 after he happened upon a job opportunity at a school. He also made becoming a foster parent one of his main goals.
Becoming a Foster Parent with Catholic Charities
The first year he moved to Arizona, Doug began going through the process of becoming a foster parent. The next year, he got his license with Catholic Charities Foster Care and Adoption.
Because he was single, he decided that fostering boys would be the best choice. He wanted his placements to feel safe and comfortable while prioritizing his own safety.
By the time Doug left his job at the school and started working as a parent aide, he had adopted two boys. He had also moved to the quiet, peaceful town of Prescott Valley.
Providing Specialized Care as a Therapeutic Foster Parent
By now, he had a new goal of becoming a therapeutic foster parent. Therapeutic Foster Care involves clinical intervention and placement of youth in specially trained foster homes. These youth must be medically approved for placement and tend to require more assistance with mental, emotional and behavioral health needs.
When Doug started working at Catholic Charities as a Licensing and Adoption Specialist, he wasn’t able to keep his license there and had to switch to another agency. He was doing therapeutic foster care at the time.
This was difficult for Doug because he’d already developed strong connections with the staff at Catholic Charities. Thankfully, his licensing worker and counselor supported him through this transition.
A Forever Family Comes Together in Unexpected Ways
Doug’s second adopted son, out of three, initially came to him as a respite placement. Respite gives foster parents a short break while another licensed foster parent cares for their children.
Because the teen was a respite placement, Doug didn't expect to develop the level of attachment he did. One day, while sitting in church, Doug realized the teen was meant to have a permanent place in his home and heart. With the teen's approval, Doug adopted him.
Over the years, Doug has had about 15 or 16 placements. Although not all have remained in his care, he has still made an effort to be a part of their lives. Whether it's visiting his past placements or just providing words of advice or encouragement, Doug is there.
When he's not at home with his kids, Doug enjoys advocating for and learning from the families he meets at work. “I think my experience helps me to relate to the families. I've been through foster care, and I've been through therapeutic foster care,” he says.
